13-year-old girl charged with 52 offences including antisemitic attacks in stolen cars
A 13-year-old girl from Melbourne’s Bayside area faces 52 charges, including antisemitic offences.
She is accused of a hate-fuelled crime spree in which she allegedly drove stolen cars while shouting antisemitic slurs and targeting members of the Jewish community in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
The stolen black Hyundai reportedly involved in some incidents (screenshot: AJA Facebook)
Police allege the teenager was behind the wheel of a black Hyundai sedan stolen from a Caulfield gym. From 25 March the car cruised erratically through Hampton, Ripponlea and Caulfield as female occupants hurled antisemitic abuse and threw eggs at pedestrians.
Last Saturday, 28 March at about 7pm the vehicle allegedly swerved straight at a group from the Jewish community crossing Hotham Street and Glen Eira Road in Ripponlea. The families narrowly escaped being hit, and the car sped away.
The 13-year-old is also linked to other incidents in stolen vehicles, including a high-speed chase that ended when police used stop sticks on Dandenong Road in East Malvern. Three girls were arrested.
She was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, multiple theft and motor vehicle theft counts, burglary, handling stolen goods, and threatening harm on the ground of a protected attribute. She has been remanded in a children’s court.
A 16-year-old and another 13-year-old from the Cardinia area faced lesser charges and were bailed.
Investigations continue. Victoria Police has condemned the alleged hate-based behaviour, saying there is no place for it in society.
Anyone with dashcam, CCTV or other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.
